Question 1

Federal Universal Service Charge Notice - 1-1-21

Accepted Answer

For the 1st Quarter of 2021 the Federal Universal Service Charge (FUSC) contribution factor will increase to 31.8%.  This will result in an increase in the charge that appears on your monthly telephone bill.  The factor is applied to services designated as interstate by the FCC and changes from time-to-time based on the needs of the federal universal service fund.  This government mandated program is designed to help keep local telephone service rates affordable for all customers, in all areas of the United States.  The fund also provides schools, libraries, low-income consumers and rural health care providers with assistance in obtaining telecommunications services.

Question 2

Battery Backup Disclousures - January 2021

Accepted Answer

Backup Power for Home Phone Service during Power Outages A backup power supply (battery) is required for your digital voice service to be in service in the event of a power outage. A backup battery will allow regular corded land line phones to work during a power outage and to maintain the ability to connect to 911 emergency services. When a power outage occurs, you should ensure that you have one corded single-line touchtone phone connected directly to the Wi-Fi gateway or your in-home wiring (wall jack) and the gateway connected directly to the Battery Back Unit.  If you connect a cordless phone, it will not function without a separate battery backup, and not all cordless phones are so equipped. What Your Battery Can-and Can’t-Do for You A backup battery allows you to continue to use your home voice service during a power outage.  Without a backup battery, you will not be able to make any calls, including emergency calls to 911.  A backup battery does not provide power to any service other than voice.  Home security systems, medical monitoring devices and other equipment will not run on a home phone backup battery. Purchase and Replacement Options Backup battery replacements are available for purchase directly from Diller Telephone Company. If you have any questions regarding the cost of a battery back-up unit, how to request and obtain a replacement unit, or instruction on the installation of the battery or replacement battery unit, please call (402-793-5330) or visit our website at (www.diodecom.net). If you decide to purchase a backup battery, you can also purchase a backup battery through many of your local retailers or on-line. Be sure to purchase the battery model that matches the type of modem that you have. Expected Backup Power Duration The battery backup available for purchase from Diller Telephone Company is expected to last up to 24 hours in the event of a power outage depending upon battery age, usage, and environment.  The estimated life expectancy for the battery is 2-4 years depending on power outage frequency and environment. Instructions for Proper Care and Use of Your Battery Please follow the instructions included with your battery for proper use, storage, and care. Batteries should be stored in locations under normal room temperatures. You should periodically remove and test your battery to verify both operation of the backup battery and its condition. The battery backup unit can be tested by unplugging it from the power outlet.  If it is working correctly, the Optical Network Terminal will remain powered and regular corded land line phones will still work in the house.  Make sure to plug the unit back in at the end of testing. Battery backup units will display a battery light when the battery needs replaced.  Please refer to the battery backup unit’s instruction manual for details on the warning indicator lights and the battery replacement procedure. Diller Telephone Company does not supply any warranty on the battery backup unit.

Question 3

Lifeline and Link Up Information for Diller Telephone Company in Nebraska

Accepted Answer

Diller Telephone Company Lifeline Terms and Conditions 
Diller Telephone Company offers the Nebraska Telephone Assistance Program (NTAP) and federal Lifeline program (Lifeline) supported service. The programs provide discounts to eligible low-income consumers to help them establish and maintain telephone or qualifying broadband internet access service (BIAS). Rates
NTAP reduces the cost of basic, monthly local telephone service by $3.50. The Lifeline program reduces costs of telephone or broadband internet access service (BIAS) up to $9.25 depending on selected qualifying service. Consumers can receive up to $12.75 per month in discounts when eligible for both programs. In addition, the Federal Universal Service Charge is not assessed to consumers participating in the programs. How to apply for Lifeline
To receive NTAP and Lifeline program credit, a subscriber must apply for and receive eligibility approval from the Lifeline National Verifier. After receiving eligibility approval, the subscriber must notify their service provider to be enrolled in the Lifeline program. Next, the subscriber must complete the Nebraska Telephone Assistance Program (NTAP)/Lifeline Attestation Form. After enrollment in each program, the subscriber will be eligible to receive the associated credit. Lifeline National Verifier Application Options:
There are three different ways a subscriber can apply for the benefit with the Lifeline National Verifier:
A) Electronic application on Lifeline National Verifier website:
https://www.lifelinesupport.org/national-verifier/
B) Paper application mailed to the Lifeline National Verifier for review and approval.
Link to a printable version of the application:
https://www.usac.org/wp-content/uploads/lifeline/documents/forms/LI_Application_NVstates.pdf
Mail the application and eligibility information to:
USAC
Lifeline Support Center PO Box 7081 London, KY 40742
C) Complete an in-person interview with a service provider. During the interview all information will be entered in the Lifeline National Verifier electronic system for approval. 
All three methods will require approval by the Lifeline National Verifier. If the Lifeline National Verifier is unable to electronically validate subscriber eligibility information, additional information may be required. This information must demonstrate eligibility through participation in one of the qualifying federal assistance programs or through income-based means. 
NTAP Assistance Form (Completed after approval by the Lifeline National Verifier):
A completed Nebraska Telephone Assistance Program (NTAP)/Lifeline Attestation Form must be received by the Nebraska public service commission to receive the NTAP assistance. 
Link to a printable version of the form:
https://psc.nebraska.gov/sites/psc.nebraska.gov/files/doc/Attestation%20Form.pdf
Mail the completed form to:
NTAP
P.O. Box 94927
Lincoln, NE 68509-4927 Program Based Eligibility
Consumers are eligible for NTAP/Lifeline if they, one of their dependents or their household participate in one of the following qualifying assistance programs:
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Veteran’s Pension and Survivor Benefit 
Acceptable documentation of program-based eligibility includes: current or prior year’s statement of benefits from a qualifying state, federal or Tribal program; notice letter of participation in a qualifying state, federal or Tribal program; program participation documents; or another official document evidencing the consumer’s participation in a qualifying state, federal or Tribal program. Income Based Eligibility
Consumers are eligible for NTAP/Lifeline if their household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
2021 Federal Poverty Guidelines – 135%       
Acceptable documentation of income eligibility includes: prior year’s state, federal or Tribal tax return; current income statement from an employer or paycheck stub; social security statement of benefits; Veterans Administration statement of benefits; retirement/pension statement of benefits; unemployment/workmen’s compensation statement of benefits; federal or Tribal notice of letter participating in General Assistance; or a divorce decree or child support award or other official document containing income information. Lifeline Program Service
Diller Telephone Company’s Voice NTAP and Lifeline service includes unlimited local minutes-of-use within the toll free calling area. Diller Telephone Company’s Voice NTAP and Lifeline service does not include any free minutes-of-use for toll. Toll is billed at the standard toll rate depending on which interexchange carrier the consumer subscribes to for toll service. As part of the Lifeline service, toll blocking is available to eligible consumers at no cost. 
BIAS minimum speed and usage allowance standards are required for the service to qualify for the benefit. Recertification of Lifeline Eligibility
Service recipients are required to recertify their eligibility annually. Failure to properly recertify a recipient’s continued eligibility for service will result in termination of the service recipient’s monthly service discount and de-enrollment from service. Additional Lifeline Program Information
The Lifeline program and NTAP are limited to one benefit per household, consisting of either telephone line or BIAS. A household is defined, for purposes of the programs, as an individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. NTAP and the Lifeline program are government benefit programs, and consumers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain the benefit can be punished by fines, imprisonment, de-enrollment or can be barred from the program.

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